Handgrip Strength Measurement Research Articles

Prevalence of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Patients in Lebanon Using Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS-2002) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Criteria and Its Association with Length of Stay.

(1) Background: Prevalence studies on hospital malnutrition are still scarce in the Middle East region despite recent global recognition of clinical malnutrition as a healthcare priority. The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of malnutrition in adult hospitalized patients in Lebanon using the newly developed Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition tool (GLIM), and explore the association between malnutrition and the length of hospital stay (LOS) as a clinical outcome. (2) Methods: A representative cross-sectional sample of hospitalized patients was selected from a random sample of hospitals in the five districts in Lebanon. Malnutrition was screened and assessed using the Nutrition Risk Screening tool (NRS-2002) and GLIM criteria. Mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUAC) and handgrip strength were used to measure and assess muscle mass. Length of stay was recorded upon discharge. (3) Results: A total of 343 adult patients were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of malnutrition risk according to NRS-2002 was 31.2%, and the prevalence of malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria was 35.6%. The most frequent malnutrition-associated criteria were weight loss and low food intake. Malnourished patients had a significantly longer LOS compared to patients with adequate nutritional status (11 days versus 4 days). Handgrip strength and MUAC measurements were negatively correlated with the length of hospital stay. (4) Conclusion and recommendations: the study documented the valid and practical use of GLIM for assessing the prevalence and magnitude of malnutrition in hospitalized patients in Lebanon, and highlighted the need for evidence-based interventions to address the underlying causes of malnutrition in Lebanese hospitals.

Correlation between hand grip strength and anthropometric measurement among undergraduate medical students

Background: Hand grip strength is a simple procedure of assessing the function of hand and forearm. It can be used as a tool to evaluate nutritional status of individual, neurological disorder and to assess the post-operative status of the patient. The grip strength is affected by different variables such as geographical variation, gender, height, weight, body mass index and handedness of the individual. Objective: This study aims to correlate hand grip strength with gender, height, weight, body mass index and handedness among Nepali population. Methods: The study was analytical cross-sectional study conducted in students of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences. Convenience sampling was used. The height of the participants was taken by using Stadiometer in centimeter and weight was taken by using weighing machine in kilogram and body mass index was calculated. Hand grip strength was obtained by using Dynamometer measured in kilogram. The data were entered in Microsoft Excel Sheet and analysis was done in SPSS version 16.0. Results: Hand grip strength showed moderate positive correlation with both height and weight both in both dominant and non-dominant hands. Hand grip strength was positively correlated in underweight, normal weight and obese category of body mass index whereas overweight category was negatively correlated. Conclusion: Hand grip strength shows correlation with the gender, height, weight and body mass index.

Reliability of handgrip strength measurements and their relationship with muscle power.

Handgrip peak force and rate of force development (RFD) have been shown to be useful measurements at characterizing the strength capacities of numerous muscle groups, including those of the lower extremities. However, the reliability of these measurements and their relationship with peak muscle power remain uncertain. We aimed to examine the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD measurements. A secondary aim was to determine if these measurements are correlated with peak muscle power. Twenty young women (21±3 years) reported for testing on two different occasions. Handgrip contractions were performed during each testing session to assess peak force, peak RFD, and RFD at 0-100 (RFD100) and 0-200 (RFD200) ms. Peak power was assessed from a vertical jump test. Handgrip peak force and RFD measurements were highly consistent between sessions, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.89-0.92 and coefficients of variation of 4.9-6.4%. There were significant correlations between peak power and handgrip peak force (r=0.612, P=0.004), peak RFD (r=0.731, P<0.001), RFD100 (r=0.671, P=0.001), and RFD200 (r=0.701, P=0.001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that handgrip peak RFD was the single best predictor of peak power (R2=0.535). Our results showed that handgrip peak force and RFD measurements are highly reliable and significantly associated with performance during a vertical jump test. The output from our multiple regression analysis suggests that handgrip peak RFD may be an effective predictor of muscle power.

The Impact of Nutritional Status on Sexual Function in Male Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Background and Objectives: Sexual function and nutritional status assessment are relevant topics in chronic kidney disease patients. This study was designed to investigate whether bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived nutritional parameters, nutritional biomarkers, and handgrip strength influence sexual function and to analyze the changes in sexual function after kidney transplantation in men. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four men with kidney failure who had undergone replacement therapy entered the study. In addition, sexual function and nutritional status were evaluated before kidney transplantation and 12 months after. We used the International Index of Erectile Function, bioelectrical impedance analysis, three different malnutrition screening tools, handgrip strength, and anthropometric measurements. The demographic profiles and biochemical nutritional markers were collected. Results: Sexual inactivity was associated with a lower phase angle (6 (1) vs. 7 (1), p < 0.05) and a higher fat mass index (7 (5) vs. 3 (4), p < 0.05). Normal erectile function before kidney transplantation was significantly related to higher fat-free mass (67 (11) vs. 74 (7), p < 0.05) and lean mass (64 (10) vs. 70 (7), p < 0.05). The improvement in erectile function after kidney transplantation was nonsignificant (44% vs. 33%, p = 0.57). Only a weak association between muscle mass and sexual desire 12 months after kidney transplantation was found (rS = 0.36, p = 0.02). Further, linear regression revealed that higher muscle mass could predict better sexual desire after kidney transplantation following adjustment for age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Kidney transplantation did not significantly improve erectile dysfunction in our study population. Sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction are the most affected domains in patients with chronic kidney disease. Higher muscle mass predicts higher sexual desire after kidney transplantation. Higher levels of fat-free and lean mass are associated with normal erectile function before kidney transplantation.

Handgrip strength and its correlation with anthropometric determinants and hand dimensions in children aged 6-12 years: A cross-sectional study.

Handgrip strength is considered an important interpreter of general health, and hand functions in children. It is mainly influenced by anthropometric determinants and hand dimensions. To assess the handgrip strength and their association with anthropometric determinants, hand circumference, hand span, and hand length among school children in both the dominant and non-dominant hand. Anthropometric measurements, hand circumference, hand span, hand length, and grip strength measurements were obtained from 133 school children of both genders aged 6-12 years. A Jamar hand-held dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength and the hand dimensions with a tape measure in cm. Significant differences were found between the handgrip strength among boys and girls. The dominant hand was found to be sturdier than the non-dominant hand in both genders. We also found a significant correlation of anthropometric determinants and hand dimensions with handgrip strength. Age, BMI, hand circumference, hand span, and hand length had a strong correlation with grip strength (p < 0.01). The study revealed the reference values and concluded its correlations with hand dimensions among school children aged 6-12 years and this information can serve as a manual for interpretation of handgrip strength measurements in children.

In Vivo Monitoring of Acute and Intermittent Fatigue in Sport Climbing Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Biosensors

The objectification of acute fatigue (during isometric muscle contraction) and cumulative fatigue (due to multiple intermittent isometric muscle contractions) plays an important role in sport climbing. The data of 42 participants were used in the study. Climbing performance was operationalized using maximal climbing-specific holding time (CSHT) by performing dead hangs. The test started with an initial measurement of handgrip strength (HGS) followed by three intermittent measurements of CSHT and HGS. During the test, finger flexor muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) was measured using a near-infrared spectroscopy wearable biosensor. Significant reductions in CSHT and HGS could be found (p < 0.001), which indicates that the consecutive maximal isometric holding introduces cumulative fatigue. The reduction in CSHT did not correlate with a reduction in HGS over multiple consecutive maximal dead hangs (p > 0.35). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in initial SmO2 level, SmO2 level at termination, SmO2 recovery, and mean negative slope of the SmO2 saturation reduction between the different measurements (p > 0.24). Significant differences were found between pre-, termination-, and recovery- (10 s after termination) SmO2 levels (p < 0.001). Therefore, monitoring acute fatigue using athletes' termination SmO2 saturation seems promising. By contrast, the measurement of HGS and muscle oxygen metabolism seems inappropriate for monitoring cumulative fatigue during intermittent isometric climbing-specific muscle contractions.

Indoxyl sulfate mediates low handgrip strength and is predictive of high hospitalization rates in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Sarcopenia has a higher occurrence rate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than in the general population. Low handgrip strength-and not sarcopenia per se-is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with CKD, including cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization. The factors contributing to low handgrip strength are still unknown. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine whether uremic toxins influence low handgrip strength in patients with CKD. This cohort study lasted from August 2018 to January 2020. The participants were divided into three groups: the control group [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 ml/min], an advanced CKD group (eGFR = 15-60 ml/min), and an ESRD group (under maintenance renal replacement therapy). All participants underwent handgrip strength measurement, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and blood sampling for myokines (irisin, myostatin, and interleukin 6) and indoxyl sulfate. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia consensus as low appendicular skeletal muscle index (appendicular skeletal muscle/height2 of < 7.0 kg/m2 in men and < 5.4 kg/m2 in women) and low handgrip strength (< 28 kg in men and < 18 kg in women). Among the study participants (control: n = 16; CKD: n = 17; and ESRD: n = 42), the ESRD group had the highest prevalence of low handgrip strength (41.6 vs. 25% and 5.85% in the control and CKD groups, respectively; p < 0.05). The sarcopenia rate was similar among the groups (12.5, 17.6, and 19.5% for the control, CKD, and ESRD groups, respectively; p = 0.864). Low handgrip strength was associated with high hospitalization rates within the total study population during the 600-day follow-up period (p = 0.02). The predictions for cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization were similar among patients with and without sarcopenia (p = 0.190 and p = 0.094). The serum concentrations of indoxyl sulfate were higher in the ESRD group (227.29 ± 92.65 μM vs. 41.97 ± 43.96 μM and 6.54 ± 3.45 μM for the CKD and control groups, respectively; p < 0.05). Myokine concentrations were similar among groups. Indoxyl sulfate was associated with low handgrip strength in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models [univariate odds ratio (OR): 3.485, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.372-8.852, p = 0.001; multivariate OR: 8.525, 95% CI: 1.807-40.207, p = 0.007]. Handgrip strength was lower in the patients with ESRD, and low handgrip strength was predictive of hospitalization in the total study population. Indoxyl sulfate contributed to low handgrip strength and counteracted the benefits of myokines in patients with CKD.

HAND GRIP STRENGTH IN YOUNG ADULTS: INFLUENCE OF ARM CIRCUMFERENCE, BMI, GENDER AND HANDEDNESS

AIM: In our study we assessed the association between hand grip strength and arm circumference, BMI, dominant hand and gender. METHODOLOGY: Our study population includes 146 young adults (Female-84, Male-62) from Guntur medical college, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. We have calculated each student's BMI (kg/m2). We measured Hand grip strength in (kg) by taking the average of two hand grip attempts using a handspring dynamometer. We measured the Upper arm circumference using a measuring tape in cm around the thickest part of the upper arm. We compared Hand grip strength with arm circumference, BMI, handedness and gender. Results: The mean values for Maximal grip strength in the right hand for severely underweight, underweight, normal, overweight, and obese are 21, 26, 31.1, 31.6 and 32. The mean values for Maximal grip strength in the left hand for severely under-weight, underweight, normal, overweight and obese are 19, 26, 29.4, 29.6 and 30. The mean values for the arm circumference of the muscle in the right limb for severely underweight, underweight, normal, overweight and obese are 20.8, 21.6, 26.2, 28.6, and 30.6. The mean values for the arm circumference of the left-limb muscles in severely underweight, underweight, normal, overweight and obese are 20.3, 21.3, 25.8, 28.4 and 30.4. Pearson coefcient for maximal grip strength and bulk of the right arm is 0.9095, indicating a strong positive correlation. The P-Value is &lt;0.00001, which is signicant at P&lt;0.05. Pearson coefcient for maximal grip strength and the bulk of the left arm is-0.382, indicating a negative correlation. The P value is &lt;0.00001, which is signicant at P&lt;0.05. Conclusion: Maximal Grip Strength is more in males than females. Bulk and Maximal Grip Strength is more in the dominant hand (right hand).Maximal Grip Strength is less in severely underweight and underweight participants. Maximal Grip Strength is more in overweight and obese

Effect of the Active Aging-in-Place-Rehabilitation Nursing Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: It is of great importance to promote functional capacity and positive lifestyles, since they contribute to preventing the progression of frailty among the older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active aging-in-place−rehabilitation nursing program (AAP-RNP) on the functional capacity and lifestyles of frail older adults. (2) Methods: This was a single-blinded, two-group, randomized, controlled trial of 30 frail older people enrolled at a Health-care unit in Portugal between 2021 and 2022. The duration of the program was 12 weeks, and the sessions took place at the participants’ homes. We used as instruments the Tilburg Frailty Indicator; Fried frailty phenotype; Senior Fitness Test battery; Barthel Index; Lawton Index; handgrip strength measurement; Tinetti Index; Individual lifestyle profile; and Borg’s perception of effort. (3) Results: Post-program, there was an improvement in multidimensional and physical frailty, functional capacity, balance, and perceived exertion (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. Among the older adults’ lifestyles, we observed significant improvements in physical activity habits, relational behavior, and stress management. (4) Conclusions: Rehabilitation nurses have a relevant role, and the AAP-RNP seems to be effective in improving functional capacity and lifestyles in frail older adults.

Grip Strength and Body Balance in Static and Dynamic Push Walkers Measurement Using Force Sensing Resistors and Kinect System

Most parents use push walkers to encourage toddlers in gross and fine motor stimulation to develop basic walking skills. Push walkers are a choice for parents other than baby walkers to help toddlers under one year learn to walk. The push walker options for toddlers include static (the shaft moves in place) and dynamic (moving mobile). This study aimed to compare the effect of push walkers between static and dynamic types on motor stimulation of toddlers using biomechanics by measuring hand grip strength and body balance. This research contributes to selecting a push walker for parents to support gross and fine motor development after agreeing on the consideration of the toddler expert panel for the toddler walking task simulation using a push walker involving nine toddlers according to body mass index. Simulation of toddler walking in two experimental sessions using static and dynamic push walkers in measuring hand grip strength using force-sensing resistors and body balance using the Kinect system with Vitruvius software. The grip strength value was tested by paired t-test to determine the significance of the grip strength value. Body balance values were tested by paired t-test to determine the significance of leg compression force and leg moment. Dynamic push walker has a greater value of grip strength than static, and p-value = 0.001 (&lt; 0.005), providing good motor stimulation to toddlers when pushing with more muscular grip strength, allowing the toddler's hand muscles to tighten up. Static push walkers have a greater compression force and foot moment than dynamic and p-value = 0.001 (&lt; 0.005), providing gross motoric stimulation to toddlers while walking in a balanced and stable manner, allowing the toddler's leg muscles to tighten up.

Age-related differences in vertical jump height and handgrip strength measurements

Purpose This study aimed to examine the effects of age on vertical jump height and handgrip strength measurements in women. A secondary aim was to investigate the correlations between vertical jump height and handgrip strength. Methods Twenty young (21.5 ± 2.8 years) and twenty older (67.0 ± 5.5 years) healthy women participated in this study. Handgrip contractions were used to assess strength measurements of peak force and rate of force development at different time intervals. Vertical jumps were performed on a jump mat. The jump mat measured vertical jump height based on flight time. Results The older women had lower vertical jump height (P &lt; 0.001) and handgrip peak force (P = 0.028) and rate of force development values (P = 0.003-0.016) than the younger women. A larger difference was observed between the groups for vertical jump height (41%) than handgrip peak force and rate of force development (12-17%). Of all the strength measurements, handgrip rate of force development at 200 ms in the young (r = 0.502, P = 0.024) and older (r = 0.446, P = 0.049) women exhibited the strongest correlation with vertical jump height. Conclusions This investigation showed significantly lower vertical jump height and handgrip peak force and rate of force development values in older compared to younger women. Interestingly, the difference between age groups was larger for jump height than handgrip peak force and rate of force development. This suggests that vertical jump performance may be more severely affected by age than handgrip strength characteristics.

Hand Grip Strength Differences in Geriatric Subjects with and without Hand Diseases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of untreated hand diseases on hand grip strength, a value that is commonly used as a diagnostic parameter for sarcopenia and frailty in geriatric populations. We hypothesized that individuals with untreated hand diseases would have lower grip strength than those without hand diseases. A total of 240 individuals aged at least 65 years were recruited and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of typical hand diseases. Grip strength was compared between the two groups separately for men and women using a t-test, with each group consisting of 60 women or 60 men. Both women and men in the hand disease group exhibited significantly lower grip strength than those in the control group. These findings suggest that untreated hand diseases have a negative impact on grip strength, and this may introduce bias in the screening or diagnosis of sarcopenia and frailty. It is essential to consider the presence of hand diseases when measuring hand grip strength in older adults.

Effect of the Brief Instructional Video Intervention on the Quality of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Background: Chest compressions are the basis of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and high-quality chest compressions can improve survival rate in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Although many efforts have been made to improve the quality of CPR in inexperienced adults, the results are still not high, especially during emergencies. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate whether a brief instructional chest compression-only CPR video could improve chest compression quality in inexperienced adults. Methods: One hundred adults with no CPR experience (age: 20.28 ± 2.28 years; women: 50, men: 50) participated in this study. Participants completed body composition and handgrip strength measurements, and performed two CPR quality tests on the Laerdal® Little Anne QCPR Manikin, namely without video-CPR (WV-CPR) and video-CPR (V-CPR). The WV-CPR quality test was performed first. After 2 minutes of continuous chest compression, the participants rested for 10 seconds and repeated 3 cycles (phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3). After resting for more than 72 hours, V-CPR quality test was conducted. During the V-CPR with video intervention, the participants also continued to compress the chest for 2 minutes, and then rested for 10 seconds, repeating 3 cycles. Results: In phase 1, compared with WV-CPR, the V-CPR has a significant increase (p < 0.001) in chest compression fraction (CCF) (56.31 ± 33.22% vs. 41.82 ± 32.30%) and percent of correct compression rate (PCCR) (96.17 ± 8.45% vs. 26.31 ± 37.55%). In addition, the V-CPR has significantly lower (p < 0.001) chest compression rate (CCR) (110.85 ± 2.40 cpm vs. 128.86 ± 24.52 cpm) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (11.89 ± 2.25 vs. 12.87 ± 2.25). For phases 2 through 3, V-CPR and WV-CPR achieved significant differences in CCF, CCD, CCR, PCCR, and RPE (p < 0.01). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in CCF, CCD, chest compression rebound rate, and RPE among the different administration stages of both WV-CPR and V-CPR. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that a brief instructional chest compression-only CPR video could improve chest compression quality for inexperienced adults by reducing fatigue and CCR, and increasing CCF and PCCR.

Is the handgrip strength influential factor on the competition result in elite male artistic gymnasts?

High handgrip strength in men’s artistic gymnastics is crucial, mainly for improving performance and to potentially prevent injuries, as well as for the fact that gymnasts body movements are around immovable apparatuses (pommel horse, rings, parallel bars and high bar) for the extended period of time. Since there are not so many studies that have dealt with this topic and on actual competition, we have aimed to examine the handgrip strength influence on the competition result in elite male artistic gymnasts. The sample of participants were conducted of 37 elite male artistic gymnasts (8–21 years old), from 8 different countries as national team competitors at the International Competition “Laza Krstić and Marica Dželatović” held in Novi Sad, Serbia. Basic anthropometric measurements were included (body height, body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)), along with training experience and handgrip strength measurement (both dominant and nondominant hand). Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test (p &lt; 0.05) was used for distribution normality, along with regression analysis with Model 1 (participants age, training experience, body height, body weight and BMI), Model 2 (Model 1 + dominant handgrip strength) and Model 3 (Model 1 + nondominant handgrip strength). SPSS v.20 was used for all statistical analysis. Our study have revealed that there is significant influence of all 3 Models on the parallel bars final result (p = 0.33; p = 0.49; p = 0.31, respectively), in terms of all set of variables, whereas body weight Beta scores (28.6%; 30.3%; 32.7%, respectively) moslty explains the results. Both dominant and nondominant handgrip strength are influential factors only on the parallel bars final result. Since both hands are contributing equally, bilateral training is necessary. In order to expand the knowledge on this topic and completely understand the influential factors, future studies are needed on this sample. Regardless of our main findings, our results should be taken with caution.

Associations Between Muscle Weakness and Clinical Outcomes in Current and Former Smokers.

Smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk of muscle weakness. There are limited data describing weakness in smokers with normal spirometry and preserved ratio-impaired spirometry (PRISm), 2 subgroups at risk of respiratory symptom burden and activity limitations. In this study, we evaluated the associations of 2 weakness measures, sit-to-stand (STS) and handgrip strength (HGS), with clinical outcomes in smokers with COPD, normal spirometry, and PRISm. We evaluated 1972 current and former smokers from the COPD Genetic Epidemiology (COPDGene®) cohort with STS and HGS measurements at their 10-year study visit. Multivariable regression modeling was used to assess associations between weakness measures and the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test, the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), the Short-Form-36 (SF-36), severe exacerbations, and prospective mortality, reported as standardized coefficients (β), odds ratios (ORs), or hazard ratios (HRs). Compared with HGS, STS was more strongly associated with the 6MWD (β=0.45, p<0.001 versus. β=0.25, p<0.001), SGRQ (β=-0.24, p<0.001 versus β=-0.18, p<0.001), SF-36 Physical Functioning (β=0.36, p<0.001 versus β=0.25, p<0.001), severe exacerbations (OR 0.95, p=0.04 versus OR 0.97, p=0.01), and prospective mortality (HR 0.83, p=0.001 versus HR 0.94, p=0.03). Correlations remained after stratification by spirometric subgroups. Compared with males, females had larger magnitude effect sizes between STS and clinical outcomes. STS and HGS are easy to perform weakness measures that provide important information about functional performance, health-related quality of life, severe exacerbations, and survival in smokers, regardless of spirometric subgroup. This iterates the importance of screening current and former smokers for weakness in the outpatient setting.

A Review on Grip and Pinch Strength Tests

Grip strength measurement data has many applications in health assessment and ergonomic strategies. However, this issue has been neglected by wellness researchers and activists in Iran. Therefore, this study was designed to review the factors affecting grip strength, the protocol and tools necessary for grip strength tests, the validity and reliability of grip strength tests, as well as the databases and forward-looking equations of grip strength. This is a review study. The required information was obtained by searching the International Information Banks of Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer, ProQuest, Google Scholar and PubMed (between 1980to2022). Search keywords were "hand strength, grip strength, pinch strength, normative data, dynamometer, regression models, and anthropometric measurements". One hindered and forty relevant articles were found in total 45 of them were reviewed and finally used in this study. In this study, effective demographic and anthropometric factors, measurement instruments, test protocols, validity and reliability of measurement, principles of creating databases of grip strength, and also forward-looking models of these databases were reviewed and results were presented. The measurement of grip strength is performed with the purpose of investigating upper limb disorders, designing hand tools, designing workstations, and determination of the improvement level of different treatments. Demographic characteristics and anthropometric factors, particularly the upper anthropometric dimensions, affected the grip strength. Researchers, ergonomists, therapists, and physicians can benefit from the results of this study

The association of visceral adiposity with handgrip strength in community dwellers of the United Arab Emirates

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a powerful tool to assess generalized body health; however, its association with visceral adipose tissues (VATs) in the community dwellers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not known. The objectives of this study were to investigate the association between HGS and VATs in the UAE population of both genders, 18–65 years of age (n = 1146). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in various community centers of the UAE from June to October 2021. We used a handgrip dynamometer to measure HGS and a bioelectrical impedance scale to measure body composition, including VAT content. VAT was categorized into low (1–9), optimal (10–14), and high (15–30) levels. We used t-test and ANOVA analyses to measure differences in HGS and VAT across gender and age groups. Results: The peak HGS was found in the third and fourth decades of life, followed by an age-associated decline. We report that the highest HGS for dominant was found in people with the optimal VATs content irrespective of gender and age. Conversely, having low or high VATs was associated with lower HGS. However, there were no differences between the HGS of dominant versus nondominant hands in men and women. Conclusion: Altogether, we report an association of an optimal VAT content with peak HGS, so that having low or high VATs were associated with reduced HGS. Taken together, the measurements of VAT and HGS may be helpful in assessing generalized health in preclinical settings.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Falls among South Indian Community-Dwelling Elderly

Abstract Introduction: Falls are an important health problem among elderly, with various consequences. The objectives of this study were to estimate 1-year incidence of falls, distribution, and severity of fall-related injuries and to determine risk factors for fall risk among the elderly population aged ≥60 years. Methods: A total of 140 urban community-dwelling participants aged ≥60 years were studied using an investigator-administered questionnaire. Short physical performance battery, chair stand test, handgrip strength, and anthropometric measurements were done. The Chi-square test was done to compare fallers and nonfallers. Logistic regression was done for independently associated risk factors. Results: One-year incidence of falls was 14.3%; 17.6% among women and 9.1% among men. Sixty percent of participants had multiple falls. Seventy-five percent of the fallers were overweight or obese. Sprain was the most common reported fall-related injury (20%), whereas 45% had no injuries. Depression (60%), osteoporosis (80%), poor activities of daily living (90%), and polypharmacy (35%) were significantly associated with falls. Osteoporosis (odds ratio: 14.89; 95% confidence interval: 1.91–115.95) was independently associated with fall risk. Conclusions: The burden of falls among urban elderly was low. The majority of the population experienced multiple falls. Since chronic diseases including osteoporosis and poor mobility were directly associated with the risk of falls, further longitudinal studies may explore the health-related and socioenvironmental risks further.

Relationship between Handgrip Strength, Flexibility and Anthropometric Measures in Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Relationship between Handgrip Strength, Flexibility and Anthropometric Measures in Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Effect of oral nutritional supplementation combined with impedance vectors for dry weight adjustment on the nutritional status, hydration status and quality of life in patients on chronic hemodialysis: A pilot study

Protein energy wasting frequently affect hemodialysis patients and contribute to the development of overhydration. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) combined with bioelectrical vector analysis (BIVA) on the nutritional and hydration status and the quality of life (QoL) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Thirty-two chronic HD patients were included in a 6-month randomized pilot study. Patients in SUPL group received a simultaneous intervention consisting of a personalized diet, 245mL/d ONS and dry weight adjustment through BIVA. Patients in CON group received a personalized diet and dry weight adjustment by BIVA. Anthropometrical, biochemical, dietary, QoL, handgrip strength (HGS) and bioimpedance measurements were performed. Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS) was applied. At the end of the intervention, moderate undernutrition decreased by 43.8% in SUPL group while in CON group, severe undernutrition increased by 13% (p<0.04 between groups). In the adjusted covariance analysis, SUPL compared to CON group, increased HGS (Δ 2.8Kg vs Δ-1.8Kg, p=0.003), serum albumin (Δ 0.29g/dL vs Δ-0.03g/dL, p=0.04) and serum transferrin (Δ 4.7mg/dL vs Δ-0.7mg/dL, p=0.0007). The increase in QoL was significantly higher in SUPL group. Dry weight was achieved in 100% of patients in SUPL and 95% in CON group. ONS combined with BIVA for dry weight adjustment, improved nutritional status, QoL and achieved dry weight in HD patients.